First of all, I’m sorry for the hiatus. I wanted to take some time to figure out what direction I wanted Simple Threads to head in, and I feel like I know what I’m doing now. Thanks for still reading and all of the e-mails asking me if I was still alive. It’s super awesome to have kept in contact and spoke with so many people from all over the globe and I’m eternally grateful for that. So, anyways… I am alive, and it feels really good to be starting Simple Threads back up again.

So all of that being said, I finally got around to picking up a pair of 8114 Iron Rangers’. I think I waited so long because I heard such bad stories about people not being able to properly size them due to the last being different than models like the moc-toes, etc. I went with my normal Redwing size (10.5) and I have to say they fit wonderful right out of the box. The boot itself has a different silhouette than I’m used to wearing, but I think that is why I like them so much. Construction of course is top notch: Goodyear welt, Nitrile cork sole, and a double-layer toe cap.

Nice choice. I’ve had a pair of the Amber Harness for maybe three years now with a couple of years of heavy daily use for a motorcycle commute and lots of yard work/clearing brush/etc. They are incredibly tough and have held up really well. They look great in black :)

I am pleased to see that you are back posting and that you have bought Iron Rangers. Back in May I bought a pair of the Red Wing x J. Crew (4514) Work Oxfords on your recommendation and fine photography, but I bought them first 1/2 size down which was too small, and then returned these for my normal size which was too big. I was chagrined and put them away for the summer. Over Labor Day bought a pair of Iron Ranger in Amber Harness (8111) in my normal size after an extended fitting session at a bricks and mortar retailer, who also suggested that I wear a slightly thicker sock with the Work Oxford. The result is I now have one pair of great Red Wing shoes and one pair of great Red Wing boots, that have been worn every weekend since Labor Day and are breaking in nicely. I trust you will enjoy yours as much as I am enjoying mine. Thanks again. PS, I have been using Obenauf’s LP on the 4514 but haven’t yet decided about the 8111.

Bought an amber harness pair last year, but the black does look spiffy. I am still in the process of breaking them in (I only wear them about once a week), but so far I love them — great fit, sharp looking, no slippage.